Cyclone Gaja battered Tamil Nadu coast in southern India earlier today, leaving more than a dozen dead and forcing thousands to evacuate.

Footage shows high winds and heavy rain battering trees and damaging properties in Nagapattinam district.

More than 76,000 people have been evacuated and housed in relief centres across 6 districts.

Heavy rain is expected to continue in southern districts in the next few days.

The severe cyclonic storm ‘Gaja’ crossed the Tamil Nadu coast between Nagapattinam and Vedaranniyam early Friday morning with wind speeds gusting up to 120 kmph. So far, the cyclone has claimed 11 lives across Tamil Nadu.

The severe cyclonic storm is likely to move nearly westwards and weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm, the latest bulletin released by IMD stated.

As many as 81,948 people were evacuated from low lying areas and sheltered at over 471 relief centres in six districts including Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram and Tiruvarur,

The weather department earlier recommended complete suspension of fishing operations along the coasts of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining Andhra Pradesh. The government has also announced helpline numbers 1070 (state-level) and 1077 (districts) for those who may need assistance.